Pants topper apparatus

ABSTRACT

Pants topper apparatus having a buck assembly including an inflatable bag, a fly clamp assembly, a pair of pleat pressing assemblies, a fan and heater assembly and control mechanism for controlling the operations of the fly clamp assembly, the expansion of the waist of the pants, the pleat pressing assemblies and the application of steam and air to the pants. Each pleat pressing assembly includes a pleater plate control arm that is moved by a piston cylinder combination, and through spring and bracket mechanism, first is swung downwardly in an arc and then moved rearwardly a short distance.

United States Patent lnventor Calvin E. Piilola Minneapolis, Minn. [2]] Appl. No. 865,111 [22] Filed Oct. 9, 1969 [45] Patented Mar. 2, 1971 {73] Assignee The Unipress Company, Incorporated Minneapolis, Minn.

[54] PANTS TOPPER APPARATUS 14 Claims, 8 Drawing Figs.

[52] US. Cl. 223/73 [51] Int. Cl ....D06c 15/00, D06c 5/00 [50] Field of Search .7 223/57, 70, 72-74 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,l89,235 6/1965 Richterkessing et a1 223/72 &

Primary Examiner-Patrick D. Lawson Assistant Examiner-Geo.V. Larkin Attorney-Dugger, Peterson, Johnson and Westman ABSTRACT: Pants topper apparatus having a buck assembly including an inflatable bag, a fly clamp assembly, a pair of pleat pressing assemblies, a fan and heater assembly and control mechanism for controlling the: operations of the fly clamp assembly, the expansion of the waist of the pants, the pleat pressing assemblies and the application of steam and air to the pants. Each pleat pressing assembly includes a pleater plate control arm that is moved by a piston cylinder combination, and through spring and bracket mechanism, first is swung downwardly in an arc and then moved rearwardly a short distance.

PATENTED HAR 2 I97! sum u UF 5 PANTS TOPPER APPARAT S BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Apparatus for topping pleated trousers, In prior-art pants toppers, for example, the toppers such as disclosedin US. Pat. Nos. 3,189,235 and 3,220,662, as the pleater plates are moved to a pressing position, said plates exert a substantial downward force on the trousers clamped on the buck assembly, while with toppers such as disclosed in US. Pat. No. 3,055,564 two piston-cylinder combinations are required for each pleater plate to move the pleater plate from a datum position to a pressing position. Also in prior-art toppers, a number of foot pedals and/or manually operated switches are required to control the actuation of the pleater assemblies and the waistband expander. In order to overcome problems of the above mentioned nature, as well as others, this invention has been made.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Pants topping apparatus that includes abuck assembly supported at an elevated condition and. a pair of pleater assemblies movable between a retracted d'atum position and a pressing position, the pleater assemblies including a pleater plate, an elongated member mounting the pleater plate for movement, and means for mounting said member for swinging movement about one axis and pivotal movement about a second axis whereby the pleater plate may be pivoted through an arcuate path and then moveda short distance generally horizontally to a pressing position. One of the objects of this invention is to provide new and novel pleater plate mounting and moving mechanism. Another object of this invention is to provide new and novel control mechanism for the waist expander, the pleater plates, the steam'applying system and the blower whereby the waist expander and each of the pleater plates may be sequentially actuated and thereafter the steam cycle and drying cycle sequentially actuated through the provision of only two manually operated switches.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side view of the apparatus of this invention with the adjacent side panel removed, a portion of a pleater plate being broken away, the fabric bag being shown in dotted lines, and the padding of thebuck and fly clamp assemblies not being shown; said view being generally-taken along the line and in the direction of the arrows 1-1.of FIG. 3;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary front perspective view, looking in an upward and rearward direction, showing' 'the buck assembly and the pleat pressing and fly clamp assemblies in a pants pressing position;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the apparatus of this invention with the rear panel removed;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view generally taken along the line and in the direction of the arrows 44 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a somewhat diagrammatic view of the buck plate, a fly clamp plate and the pleater plates in a pants pressing position, the padding on said plates not being illustrated;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary side view of portions of the mechanism for operating the waist expander bracket and the pleater plates between their datum and pants pressing positions;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary horizontal cross-sectional view generally taken along the line and in the direction of the arrows 77 of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of the electricalcomponents and circuitry of the control mechanism of this invention.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 3, the apparatus of this invention, generally designated 10, includes a base 16 having a housing mounted thereon. The housing includes side panels 11 and 12, a back panel 13, a lower front panel 14 joined to the lower side panel sections 11a, 12a, a top panel 15, and a front panel 17 joined to upper side panel sections 11a, 12a and the top panel. A blower assembly 18 that is driven by a motor 19 is mounted in the lower portion of the housing to discharge in an upward direction through the heater 20, the blower drawing in air from outside of the housing. Mounted within the housing to have its lower end attached to the blower assembly is a panel 22 that is of a width'to extend between the sidewall panels 11 and 12. Extending between panels 22 and 13 are panels 23, 24 having lower edge portions 230 and 240 respectively, joined to panel sections and 12a at a substantially higher elevation than the heater while intermediate panel portions 23b, 24b converge toward one another in an upward direction. The upper panel portions 230, 240 of the panels 23, 24 respectively extend parallel to one another and terminate at the lower edges of the lower rear edge portions of the horizontal duct, generally designated 27. Thus, panels 22- -24 and portions of panels 11a, 12b and 13 are joined together to provide a generally vertical duct for conducting air from the outlet 18a of the blower assembly to the inlet duct 27. The blower forms a closure for the lower end of the vertical duct.

Referring to FIG. 4, duct 27 has spaced-apart sidewalls 28, 29 that extend a substantial distance horizontally forwardly of the rear panel 13 and are transversely spaced from and intermediate the panel sections llb, 12b respectively. Further, duct 27 includes transverse rear and front flanges 31, 32 that depend downwardly from the opposed edges of the duct bottom wall 30. Flange 31 is a substantial distance forwardly of the rear vertical edges of walls 28, 29. Front flange 32 in conjunction with the lower part of thearcuately curved front part 33 of the duct forms a duct outlet 35 for discharging air in the downward direction. Portion 33 has opposite edges joined to walls 28, 29 respectively, the lower part of portion 33 extending to a lower elevation than wall 30.

The buck assembly, generally designated 40, includes a perforated buck plate 41 that in horizontal cross section is generally arcuately curved and has a lower bifurcated end por tion. The upper edge portion of the buck plate is bolted to the lower edge portion of the arcuate part 33 of the duct. Mounted in part by the buck plate to depend therefrom is a fabric topper bag 42 of the general construction described in US Pat. No. 3,383,703; there being provided metal mesh and asbestos padding (not shown) intermediate the front surface of the buck plate and adjacent part of the fabric of the bag that permits the passage of air and steam therethrough. Wire rods 43 have their one ends secured to a bracket 44 and opposite ends secured to the bag in generally the same manner and to perform the same function described in US. Pat. No. 3,383,703, an upper rearward portion of the bag being secured to bracket 44 to move therewith. Bracket 44 is dependingly secured to a slide block 47 to move therewith, block 47 being mounted for longitudinal movement by a pair of horizontal slide rods 48. Rods 48 have their forward ends mounted by duct flange 32 and their rearward ends by duct flange 31. Block 47 dependingly mounts brackets 49 that at their lower ends mount a pivot member 50'(see FIG. 4). The one end of link 51 is pivotally mounted by pivot member 50 while the opposite end is pivotally connected at 52 to the upper end of a rod 53. The lower end of the rod 53 is bent at an angle to the main elongated portion thereof, the lower end of the rod extending through an elongated slot (not shown) in wall 14. The lower end of rod 53 and one end of a bar 55 are welded to a tube (not shown) that is pivotally mounted on a pivot member 63, pivot member 63 being mounted by a bracket 61 that is bolted to panel 14 (see FIG. 6). The opposite end of bar 55, the one end of bar 54 and the web portion of a clevis bracket 59 are bolted together at 60, a spring 61 having one end secured to the bar 54 and the opposite end to panel 22 for resiliently urging the rod 53 to, through the link 51, move the slide block 47 toward the buck plate to collapse the bag. In order to move the slide bracket to a bag expanded condition, the piston cylinder combination 56, 57 has the cylinder 56 pivotally connected at 58 to the bracket 59 and piston rod 57 pivotally connected at 64 to a bracket 46 that is bolted to the front panel 14.

In orderto clamp the pants on the buck assembly, there is provided a fly clamp assembly, generally designated 62. The fly clamp assembly includes a fly'plate 63 that is dependingly mounted by a bracket 64 which is pivotally connected to the duct 27. A spring-urged plunger combination 265 is pivotally connected to the bracket 64 at one end and at the opposite end to a bar 266 that is bolted to the top wall 26 of duct 27, the fly assembly being of a construction that when it is moved to a pants clamping position, it is resiliently urged to a clamping position by combination 265, and when it is moved to an open position it is resiliently retained in the open position through the combination 265.

In order to press the pleat portions of the trousers, there are provided a pair of pleater plates 65, 66, each pleater plate having a bracket 69 that is bolted at 68 to one end of the pleater plate arm 67. A rubber spacer (68a) is provided on the bolt 68 between the arm and the bracket 69 to permit limited movement of the pleater plate relative the arm. The opposite end of each arm 67 is secured to one end of an arm bracket 70 to move therewith. An intermediate portion of each bracket 70 is pivotally mounted on a pivot member 71 intermediate the elongated, generally vertically extending arm portions 72a of the bracket 72-. Each pivot member 71 is mounted by the lower parts of arm portions 72a of the respective bracket 72.

The opposite end portions of each bracket 70 mount a pivot member 73 which in turn pivotally mounts a clevis member 74. One clevis member 74 is mounted by the piston rod 75 of a piston cylinder combination 75, 76 while the other is mounted by the piston rod 75 of the piston combination 75, 79. Each of cylinders 76, 79 has its lower end mounted for pivotal movement about a transverse horizontal axis by a bracket 77 that is attached to the respective adjacent panel 23, 24. To resiliently urge each pleater plate toward its datum position (dotted lines in FIG. 1), a spring 78 has its lower end attached to the adjacent one of the panel portions 23b, 24b and its upper end attached to the respective bracket 70 on the opposite side of pivot member 73 from pivot member 71. As may be noted from FIG. 3, the springs 78 diverge transversely from one another in a downward direction.

Each of the brackets 72 includes a first transverse portion 72b, and at a lower elevation a second transverse portion 72c, portions 72b, 72c being joined to and retaining the arm portions 72a in spaced relationship. Mounted by panel sections 11b, 12b, and duct sidewall portions 28, 29 is a horizontal transverse rod 82. An intermediate portion of one of the brackets 72 is pivotally mounted on rod 82 intermediate panel portions 11b, 29 and the other bracket 72 is pivotally mounted on rod 82 intermediate portions 12b and 28. The arm portion of each of the brackets 72 that is adjacent the duct 27 has a bolt 84 threaded into the upper portion thereof for mounting one end ofa coil spring 85, the opposite end of the coil spring being secured to a bracket 86 that is mounted on the adjacent sidewall portion of the duct 27. Each bracket 86 has a leg 86a extending outwardly of the duct 27 to mount an adjustment bolt and nut 88 in a position to have the bolt abut against one bracket arm portion 72a. The adjustment bolt 88 limits the pivotal movement of the respective bracket 72 in the direction of the arrow 89 about the rod 82, springs 85 constantly resiliently urging the bracket 72 to pivot in the direction of arrow 89. To limit the pivotal movement of the pleater arm brackets 70 in the direction of arrow 90 about pivot members 71, a lock nut and adjustment bolt 91 are threaded in each of the transverse portions 720 to be abuttable against the forward end portion of bracket 70. Due to provision of the above described structure, the characteristics of springs 86, 78 and guide brackets 100, 101, the pleater plates are mounted for movement between the solid line pressing position and the dotted line retracted position of FIG. 1 wherein most of the pleater plates are transversely intermediate the sidewalls of the duct and adjacent panel portions 11a, 12b of the housing. As a result, during operation, the pleater plates do not have a chance to cool nearly as fast, and they are out of the way.

F or guiding the pleater plate arms to move the pleater plates into proper pressing relationship with the buck assembly and limit the downward pivotal movement of arms 67 about pivots 71 (direction opposite arrow there are provided a pair of guide brackets 100, 101 that are of the same construction, but are mounted to be oppositely faced. That is, bracket has a long vertical leg 100a secured to panel 121), a short vertical leg 10% secured to the duct sidewall 28, an upper horizontal leg having one end joined to the upper end. of leg 1000, a lower horizontal leg 100d joined to the lower end of leg 100b, and an intermediate leg 1000 that is predominately vertically extending, but has one end portion that is arcuatelycurved to be integrally joined to the opposite end of the upper horizontal leg and a second end portion that is arcuately curved to be integrally joined to the opposite end of leg 100d. Bracket 101 likewise has a short leg is joined to duct sidewall 29 and a long leg that is joined to panel 116. As the arms 67 pivot in the direction opposite arrow 90, the arms move adjacent to the brackets upper horizontal portions, and if not sufficiently closely adjacent the duct 27 the intermediate portions of brackets 100, 101 force the intermediate portions of the arms 67 more closely adjacent the duct 27 as the arms continue their pivotal movement in the direction opposite arrow 90.

A damper 27a is provided in duct 27 for controlling the flow of fluid therethrough, the damper having its upper edge portion connected at 27b to the sidewallsof duct 27 to pivot about a transverse horizontal axis. The discharge of air from the blower forces the damper open, the dampers moving to a closed position under the action of gravity.

Referring now to FIG. 3, for heating the air that is discharged by the blower assembly to flow to the buck assembly to pass into the topper bag, and discharging steam into the topper bag, there is provided a steam circuit that includes a steam inlet line 93. for supplying steam to the condenser 94. The dry steam from the condenser passes through line 95 to the solenoid operated steam valve 96 and thence through line 97, which in part lies on the bottom wall of duct 27, to the end portion 97a which has a discharge nozzle within the'bag and rearwardly of the buck plate. The wet steam from the lower end of condenser 94 passes through line 98 that for part of its length is wound around the portion of the line 97 that extends along the bottom wall of duct 27, thence looped in the buck assembly, thereafter returning through duct 27 along sidewall 29 and panel 23 to subsequently pass through the heater, and after passing through the heater to discharge line 99. The steam lines extending through duct 27 to the buck assembly pass through cutouts (not shown) in the lower edge portion of the damper so as not to interfere with the damper moving between an opened and a closed position.

Referring now to FIG. 8, the electrical circuitry and components, generally designated 105, include main lines I. and L manually operated on-off switch 106 and cancel switch 107 being connected in series between lines L and L On line L there are provided a plurality of junctions 108-113 inclusive while on line L there are provided a plurality of junctions -122 inclusive. A line connects junction 108 to the first terminal of a solenoid operated relay 126, said relay in cluding a second terminal 127 that is connected by a line to junction 129. Connected across junctions 115 and 129 is the timer motor 130 of the timer 131. The relay 126 includes a relay member 128 for electrically connecting terminals 125, 127 upon energization of the relay coil and breaking the aforementioned electrical connection upon the deenergization of said coil. Coil 125 is connected across junction 136, 137, junction 137 being connected by a line to junction 134 which in turn is connected by a line to junction 129. The solenoid coil of steam valve 96 is connected across junctions 134, 136.

A line connects junction 137 to a first terminal 140 of the presteam switch 141, switch 141 including a second terminal 142 that is connected by a line to junction 109, a third terminal 144 and a switch member 143 that is resiliently retained in a position to electrically connect terminals 140, 144 but movable to a position to break the electrical connection between terminals 1'40, 144 and provide an electrical connection between terminals 142, 146.

A line connects junction to junction 143, the motor 19 and the timer motor of the timer 151being connected in parallel across junctions 148, 149. Junction 149 is connected by a line to the second terminal 152 of the timer 131, the timer 131 having a first terminal 153 connected by a line to junction 136 and a third terminal 154 connected by a line to junction 116. Timer 131 is of a construction that the switch member 155 electrically connects terminals 153, 154 until the timer motor is energized, and maintains this connection until the end of the time cycle which starts with the energization of the timer motor. At the end of the timed cycle, the timer motor breaks the electrical connection between terminals 153, 154 and electrically connects terminals 152, 154 until timer motor 130 is deenergized. When motor 130 is-deenergized, switch member 155 moves to break the electrical connection between terminals 152, 154 and again establish the electrical connection between terminals 153,154. I

A solenoid operated relay 157 has a first terminal 158 connected by a line to junction 111, a second terminal 159 connected by a line to terminal 144, and a switch member 160 that upon energization of the coil 161 establishes an electrical connection between terminals 158, 159. Coil 161 is connected across junctions 162, 117. Relay 157 includes a third terminal 164 that is connected by a line to junction 162, a fourth terminal 165 connected by a line to junction 167 and a switch member 166 that upon energization of coil 161 establishes an electrical connection between terminals 164, 165. Upon deenergization of coil 161, switch members 160, 166 move to break the electrical connection between the respective sets of terminals. A manually operated switch at 168 that is resiliently retained in an open position is connected across junctions 162, 167.

Timer 151 includes a first terminal 171 that is connected by a line to junction 175, a second terminal 172, a third terminal 173 that is connected by a line to junction 176, and a switch member 174 that normally connects terminals 171, 173 and maintains this connection for a set time cycle after energization of motor 150, at the expiration of the time cycle breaks the connection betweenterminals 171, 173, and upon motor 151 being deenergized, reestablishes the connection between terminals 171, 173.

Junction 176 is connected by a line to junction 179, the solenoid coil of a solenoid operated air valve 180 being connected across junctions 179, 119. Valve 180 is in a deenergized condition fluidly connects the expander cylinder 56 to the exhaust (not shown) and in an energized condition to a source of fluid under pressure 245 to move the piston rod 57 to an expanded condition to move slide block 47 away from the buck plate. Connected across junctions 179, 119 is a solenoid coil 18 of relay 183, relay 183 having a first terminal 184 connected by a line to junction 112, a second terminal 185 connected by a line to junction 175, a normally open switch member 186 that upon energization of coil 182 is moved to electrically connect terminals 184, 185; a third terminal 187 connected by a line to junction 188; a fourth terminal 189 and a nora normally open switch member 190 that upon energization of coil 182 moves to electrically connect terminals 187,

Terminal 189 is connected by a line to junction 192, a solenoid coil 193 of relay 194 being connected across junctions 120, 192. Relay 194 also includes a first terminal 195 that is connected by a line to junction 196; a second terminal 197 connected by a line to junction 175; a normally closed switch member 198 that upon energization of coil 193 breaks the electrical connection between terminals 195, 197; a third terminal 201 that is connected by a line to junction 113; a fourth terminal 202 that is connected by a line to junction 188; a normally open switch member 203 that upon energizationof the solenoid coil electrically connects terminals 201, 202; a fifth terminal 204 that is connected by' a line to junction 196; a sixth terminal 205 connected by a line to junction 206; and a normally open switch member 207 that upon energization of coil 193 electrically connects terminals 204, 205.

Junction 196 is connected by a line to junction 210 which in turn is connected by a line to the first terminal 211 of the relay 212. Relay 212 also includes a solenoid .coil 215 that is connected across junctions 206, 122; a second terminal 213 that is connected by a line to junction 192;; a normally open switch member214 that upon energization of coil 215 electrically connects terminals 211, 213; a third terminal 216 that is con nected by a line to junction 217; a fourth terminal 218 that is connected by a line to junction 188; a normally closed si switch member 219 that upon energization of coil 215 breaks the electrical connection between terminals 216, 218; a fifth terminal 220 connected by a line to junction 217; a sixth terminal 221; and a normally open switch member 222 that upon energization of coil 215 electrically connects terminals 220, 221. The solenoid coil of the solenoid-operated air valve 225 is connected across terminal 221 and junction 122 while the solenoid coil of the solenoid-operated air valve 226 is connected across junctions 206, 121. Valves 225, 226 are respec tively fluidly connected to cylinders 76 and 79; and upon energization of the valves, connects the respective cylinder to a source of air under pressure 245 to move its piston rod to an expanded condition and when deenergized, connect the cylinder to the exhaust. To be mentioned, each of cylinders 56, 76, 79 are one-way-acting cylinders. v

Junction 217 is connected by a line to the first terminal 228 of the foot pedal switch 229 that includes a second terminal 230 that is connected by a line to junction 210; a third terminal 232 that is connected by a line to junction 113; and a switch member 231 that is resiliently retained in a position to electrically connect terminals 228, 232, but is movable to break the last mentioned electrical connection and electrically connect terminals 230, 232.

The structure of the apparatus of this invention having been set forth, the operation thereof will now be described. Upon starting the days operation, the on-off switch 106 is closed; however, at this time none of the relays, the timer motors, nor the motor 19 are energized. As a result all of the cylinders are connected to the exhaust, the plea'ter plates are in their retracted datum position, and the waist expander is in its datum position wherein the slide block 47 is closely adjacent the buck plate. With the fly clamp assembly in an unclamped position, the garment is dressed on the buck assembly such that the bifurcated ends of the bag extend into the pants legs and the fly portion faces forwardly. Then the fly clamp as sembly is manually operated so that the fly clamp holds the fly portion of the pants against the buck'assembly. Now the foot switch 229 is depressed so that the switch member 231 electrically connects terminals 230, 232 to complete a circuit for energizing the solenoid-operated air valve 180. The energization of valve 180 applies air to the lower end of cylinder 56 to thereby pivot bar 55 and rod 53 in the direction of the arrow 238 about pivot member 63. This pivotal movement of the rod 53 results in the slide block 47 moving away from the buck plate in the direction of the arrow 239 to expand the waistband of the trousers which in part has been extended upwardly between blocks 44, 47. 3

At the'same time that the air valve 180 is energized, the solenoid coil 182 of relay 183 was energized to close switch member 186 to complete a circuit for maintaining coil 180 energized even though the electrical connection between foot switch terminals 230, 232 are broken; and to move switch member 190 to electrically connect terminals 187, 189. The foot switch is now allowed to return to its datum position whereupon the electrical connection between terminals 230, 232 is broken and the electrical connection between terminals 232, 228 is reestablished. The reestablishment of the electrical connection between terminals 228, 232, through switch member 219 and switch member 190, completes a circuit to energize coil 193 of relay 194. The closing switch member 203 of relay 194, through switch member 190 of relay 183, forms a hold-in circuit to maintain relay 194 in an energized condition. Even though switch member 198 opens, solenoid valve 180 remains energized since switch member 186 of relay 183 is presently in a closed position.

The energization of relay 194 also moves switch member 207 to a closed condition; however, this is merely a step preparatory to completing another circuit. Now the foot switch is again depressed to break the connection between contacts 228, 2.32 and complete a connection between con tacts 230, 232. Completing the connection between contacts 230, 232, through switch member 207, completes a circuit for energizing relay 212 and the solenoid valve 226 of the cylinder 76 for pleater plate 65. Admission of air under pressure to cylinder'76 results in the pleater arm and pleater plate 65 being rotated in the direction opposite arrow 90 about pivot member 71, the characteristics of spring 85 relative the spring characteristics of spring 78 being such that the bracket '72 for the pleater plate 65 is retained in abutting relationship with the adjustment screw 88. That is, the action of spring 85 is always stronger than that of spring 78. As a result, pleater plate 65 will initially swing in an are about pivot member 71, but pivot member 71 remains stationary at this time. At the time that pleater plate 65 is generally horizontally opposite the buck plate (for example spaced about three-fourths of an inch horizontally therefrom) the arm 67 for plate 65 abuts against guide bracket portion 100d. As a result, the further expanding movement of the piston rod results in bracket 72 (for pleater plate 65) pivoting about pivot member 82 in the direction opposite arrow 89 and slight continued pivotal movement of bracket 70 relative pivot member "71 such that pleater plate 65 is moved substantially horizontally rearwardly to pressingly engage the trouser pleat. It is to be understood that in place of the guide bracket, an adjustment screw (not shown) could be provided on the rear portion of 720 to limit the pivotal movement of bracket 70 about pivot 71 in the direction opposite arrow 90.

The energization of relay 212 closes switch member 214 so that through switch members 203, 207 of relay 194 and switch member 190 of relay 183 there is provided a hold-in circuit for maintaining relay 212 energized. Also, energizing relay 212 results in switch member 219 moving to an open condition.

Now upon releasing the foot switch, switch member 231 breaks the electrical connection between contacts 230, 232 and electrically connects contact 232 to contact 228 to, through the now closed switch member 222 energize valve 225. The energization of valve 225 results in the pleater plate 66 moving through the path of movement that is substantially the same as that described with reference to the movement of pleater plate 65 through the energization of valve 226.

With the pleater plates in a pressing position, the switch 168 is manually moved to a closed condition for a sufficient time to energize relay 157, the energization of relay 157 resulting in switch member 166 moving to a closed condition to provide a hold-in circuit for maintainingthe relay in an energized state. Additionally, the energization of relay 157 results in switch member 160 moving to a closed position to energize relay 126, the solenoid coil of steam valve 96 and the timer motor of timer 131. The energization of relay 126 results in switch member 128 moving to a closed position to provide a hold-in circuit for said relay and to maintain the solenoid coil of valve 96 and the timer motor of timer 131 energized. The energization of timer 130 starts the time cycle for the steaming operation, and at the end of the time cycle automatically moves switch member 155 to break the electrical connection between timer contacts 153, 154 and to establish an electrical connection between contacts 152 and 154 that is maintained until timer motor 13 is deenergized. Electrically connecting contacts 152, 154 results in relay 126 and the coil of the steam valve 96 being deenergized, and thereby terminates the steam cycle.

The connection of timer contacts 152, 154 energizes blower motor 19 to blow air into the fabric bag and thence through the trousers, and the energization of the timer motor 150 of timer 151. At the end of the drying cycle (the timer period for timer motor 150) switch member 174 is automatically moved to break the electrical connection between terminals 171, 173 and make an electrical connection between terminals 172, 173. This deenergizes the waist expander valve 181 and relay 183. The opening of switch members 186, 190 of relay 153 results in relays 194, 212 being deenergized. Deenergization of relays 194, 212 results in valves 225, 226 being deenergized. Additionally, the breaking of the electrical connection between terminals 171, 173 results inrelay 157 being deener gized. I

Since valve 180 is deenergized, spring 61 acts through membBlS 54, 55 to rotate rod 53 about pivot member 63 in the direction opposite arrow 238 to move the waist expander toward the buck plate. Additionally, the deenergization of valves 225, 226 permits the springs 78, moving brackets 70 in the direction of arrow 90 about pivots 71 and springs to move brackets 72 in the direction of arrow 89 about pivot 82 to abut against adjustment screws 88 and thereafter the brackets 70 to continue pivotal movement in the direction of arrow 90 until they abut against the set screws 91.

If desired, after the waist expander has been moved to a waist expanded position, but prior to the time the second depression of the foot switch to operate the feeder plates to a pressing condition, it is possible to presteam the trousers. This is achieved by manually operating switch member 144 to break the electrical connection between contacts 140, 141 and establish an electrical connection between contacts 140, 142. This energizes relay 126 to form the hold-in circuit to switch member 128 and energize steam valve 96 and timer 131 as previously described. After relay 126 has been energized, switch member 143 is permitted to break the electrical connection between contacts 140, 142 and establish electrical connection between contacts 140, 144. At the end of the timing cycle of timer 131 the timer switch member 155 breaks the electrical connection between contacts 153, 154 to deenergize the steam valve and to energize the timer and blower motor 19. After the blower has been deenergized through the running of the timer cycle of timer 150 the foot valve is first pressed to again actuate the waist expander and thereafter actuate the pleater plate cylinders as was previously described.

lclaim:

1. Pants topping apparatus comprising a buck assembly for supporting a pair of pants in a position to have the pants pleats pressed, first means for mounting the buck assembly in an elevated condition, and a pair of pleater assemblies mounted on the first means for pressing the pleats of pants dressed on the buck assembly, the pleater assemblies including a pleater plate, an elongated member having a first end portion mounting the pleater plate, and an intermediate portion, and a second end portion, second means mounted on the first means for mounting the elongated member for swinging movement about a first axis and pivotal movement about a second axis substantially spaced from the first axis, and third means for each pleater assembly mounted on the first means for operating the respective elongated member to move the pleater plate mounted thereon from a retracted datum position to a position closely adjacent a pants pressing position and then swing the elongated member to move the pleater plate to a pants pressing position, said third means including a piston cylinder combination mounted on the first means and connected to one of the second and third means to move the means it is connected to.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further characterized in that the second means includes a bracket having a first end portion and a second end portion, fourth means for connecting the intermediate portion of said elongated member to the bracket first end portion for pivotal movement relative the bracket about said second axis and fifth means connecting the bracket second end portion to the first means for pivotal movement about the first axis.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 further characterized in that the second means includes resilient means for urging said bracket to pivot about the fourth means in a direction to move the elongated member to move the pleater plate away from the buck assembly, and means to limit the movement of the bracket about the fourth means in said one direction.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 further characterized in that the third means includes second resilient means connected to the elongated member second end portion for resiliently urging the elongated member to move the pleater plate away from the buck assembly and that said piston cylinder combination has a cylinder pivotally connected to the first means and a piston rod pivotally connected to the elongated member second end portion. r

5. The apparatus of claim 4 further characterized in that the third means includes a guide bracket mounted on the first means in a position tolimit the pivotal movement of the arm about the second axis from the pleater plate datum position toward the pleater plate pressing position to a position that the pleater plate is spaced from and horizontally adjacent the buck assembly. I

6. The apparatus of claim 4 further characterized in that a waist expander is mounted on the first means for movement relative the buck assembly between a: datum position and a waist expanded position, power means for moving the waist expander between its position, a manually operated switch movable between two positions and control means connected to said switch and actuated by movement of said switch between its positions for sequentially actuating the power means to move the waist expander from its datum position to its waist expanded condition, then actuate one of the third means for moving one pleater plate to its pressing position and thence actuate the other third means for moving the other pleater plate to its pressing position.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 further characterized in that there is provided steam means on the first means for applying steam to the buck assembly, means for discharging air under pressure adjacent the buck assembly, and a second switch movable between an on position and an off position, said control means including means connected to the second switch, the steam means and air means for actuating the steam means and the air means respectively for applying steam for a select time period and then discharging air after the first switch has been moved for actuating said other third means and the second switch has been moved from its off position to its on position. i

8. Pants topper apparatus comprising a buck assembly having an expansible bag, first means for mounting the buck assembly including a duct for discharging air into said bag, and a first and a second pleater assembly, each pleater plate as sembly including a pleater plate, an elongated member having a first end portion mounting a pleater plate, an intermediate portion and a second end portion, an elongated bracket hav ing a first end portion and a second end portion, second means for mounting the bracket first end portion on the first means for pivotal movement about a first axis, third means mounting the elongated member intermediate portion on the bracket second end portion for pivotal movement about a second axis, fifth means on the first means for resiliently urging the bracket to pivot about the first axis in one direction and limiting the pivotal movement of the bracket in the last mentioned direction, a first piston cylinder combination mounted on the first means and pivotally connected to the elongated member second end portion for moving the elongated member and bracket to move the pleater plate from a retracted, datum position to a position in pressing relationship with the buck assembly and resilient means connected to the first means and the elongated member for constantly urging the elongated member to move the pleater plate to the datum position.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 further characterized in that there is provided a bag expander, a second piston cylinder combination on the first means, and means connected to and operated by the application of fluid to the second combination for moving the bag expander toward a bag expanded condition, and control means for actuating each of the first and second combinations to first move the bag expander to a bag expanded condition, then one pleater plate to its pressing position and thence the second pleater plate to its pressing posi tion, a solenoid operated valve for each of said combinations for controlling the application of fluid to the respective combination, a manually operated switch movable between from a datum first position to a second position and circuit means connecting said valves and switch for energizing the waist expander solenoid valve to actuate the second combination to operate the waist expander upon moving the switch from its first position to its second position a first time, thence upon moving the switch from its first position to its second position the second time, energizing one ofthe first combination valves to actuate one of the first combinations to move one pleater plate to its pressing position and then upon returning the switch to its first position a second time, energizing the other of the first combinations to move the other pleater plate to its pressing position.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 further characterized in that said control means includes a first circuit including a first relay that is energized by operating the'switch from its datum position to its second position a first time, said first circuit being connected to said switch, a second circuit connected to said switch that is completed by the energization of the first relay and the return of the switch fromits second position to the datum position the first time and then movement to its second position to energize one of the first combination valves, said second circuit being connected to the switch and the first relay and including a second relay, and a third circuit that is completed by the energization of the second relay and the return of the switch to its first position a second time to energize the other of the first combination valves, the third circuit being connected to the switch.

11. Pants topping apparatus comprising a support member, a buck assembly mounted on the support member, a first pleater plate for pressing one pleated portion of pants dressed on the buck assembly, a second pleater plate for pressing the other pleated portion of the pants on the buck assembly, operable first means on the support member for mounting the first plate for movement from a datum retracted position to a pressing position, operable second means on the support member for mounting the second pleater plate for movement from a datum retracted position to a pressing position, power third means for operating the first means, power fourth means for operating the second means, and control means for sequentially actuating said third and fourth means to, through the first and second means, first move the first pleater plate to its pressing position and then the second pleater plate to its pressing position, said control means including a first control member operable from a datum condition to a second condition for actuating the third means, a second control-member operable from a datum condition to a :second condition for actuating the fourth means, a switch member movable from a first position to a second position and control circuitry means connected to said switch and to the first and second control members for operating the first control member from its datum condition to its second condition upon moving the switch from its first position to its second position and then upon returning the switch to its first position, operating the second control member from its second condition to its datum position.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 further characterized in that there is provided a waist expander mounted on the support waist expander from its datum position to its waist expanded condition, and that said control means includes a third control member operable from a datum condition to a second condition for actuating the fifth means, and that said control circuitry includes means for operating the third control member to its second condition upon moving the switch from its first position to the switch second position immediately prior to the above mentioned movement of the'switch for operating the first and second control members.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 further characterized in that there is provided means on the support member for conducting steam to the buck assembly, saidsteam means including a fourth control member operable between a steam discharge blocking position and a second position permitting the discharge of steam, that said control means including a second switch movable between an on position and an off position, and that said control circuitry includes means connected to the second switch for operating the steam control means to its discharge position, upon the first switch being returned to its second position to actuate the second control member and thence moving the second switch to its on position.

14;. The apparatus of claim 12 further characterized in that the first means includes an elongated ,arrn member having a first end portion mounting the first pleater plate, an intermediate portion and a second end portion, an elongated bracket having a first end portion mounted on the support member for pivotal movement about a first transverse axis and a second end portion mounting the intermediate portion for pivotal movement about a second transverse axis, means for resiliently urging the bracket to pivot in one direction about the first axis, stop means to limit the pivotal movement of the bracket in said one direction about the first axis, said third means being connected to said second end portion for, upon actuation of the third means, pivoting the arm member about the second axis in a given direction and stop means abuttable against the arm member for limiting the pivotal movement of the arm member about the second axis to a position that the first pleater plate is horizontal adjacent the buck assembly. 

1. Pants topping apparatus comprising a buck assembly for supporting a pair of pants in a position to have the pants pleats pressed, first means for mounting the buck assembly in an elevated condition, and a pair of pleater assemblies mounted on the first means for pressing the pleats of pants dressed on the buck assembly, the pleater assemblies including a pleater plate, an elongated member having a first end portion mounting the pleater plate, and an intermediate portion, and a second end portion, second means mounted on the first means for mounting the elongated member for swinging movement about a first axis and pivotal movement about a second axis substantially spaced from the first axis, and third means for each pleater assembly mounted on the first means for operating the respective elongated member to move the pleater plate mounted thereon from a retracted datum position to a position closely adjacent a pants pressing position and then swing the elongated member to move the pleater plate to a pants pressing position, said third means including a piston cylinder combination mounted on the first means and connected to one of the second and third means to move the means it is connected to.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 further characterized in that the second means includes a bracket having a first end portion and a second end portion, fourth means for connecting the intermediate portion of said elongated member to the bracket first end portion for pivotal movement relative the bracket about said second axis and fifth means connecting the bracket second end portion to the first means for pivotal movement about the first axis.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 further characterized in that the second means includes resilient means for urging said bracket to pivot about the fourth means in a direction to move the elongated member to move the pleater plate away from the buck assembly, and means to limit the movement of the bracket about the fourth means in said one direction.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3 further characterized in that the third means includes second resilient means connected to the elongated member second end portion for resiliently urging the elongated member to move the pleater plate away from the buck assembly and that said piston cylinder combination has a cylinder pivotally connected to the first means and a piston rod pivotally connected to the elongated member seconD end portion.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4 further characterized in that the third means includes a guide bracket mounted on the first means in a position to limit the pivotal movement of the arm about the second axis from the pleater plate datum position toward the pleater plate pressing position to a position that the pleater plate is spaced from and horizontally adjacent the buck assembly.
 6. The apparatus of claim 4 further characterized in that a waist expander is mounted on the first means for movement relative the buck assembly between a datum position and a waist expanded position, power means for moving the waist expander between its position, a manually operated switch movable between two positions and control means connected to said switch and actuated by movement of said switch between its positions for sequentially actuating the power means to move the waist expander from its datum position to its waist expanded condition, then actuate one of the third means for moving one pleater plate to its pressing position and thence actuate the other third means for moving the other pleater plate to its pressing position.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6 further characterized in that there is provided steam means on the first means for applying steam to the buck assembly, means for discharging air under pressure adjacent the buck assembly, and a second switch movable between an on position and an off position, said control means including means connected to the second switch, the steam means and air means for actuating the steam means and the air means respectively for applying steam for a select time period and then discharging air after the first switch has been moved for actuating said other third means and the second switch has been moved from its off position to its on position.
 8. Pants topper apparatus comprising a buck assembly having an expansible bag, first means for mounting the buck assembly including a duct for discharging air into said bag, and a first and a second pleater assembly, each pleater plate assembly including a pleater plate, an elongated member having a first end portion mounting a pleater plate, an intermediate portion and a second end portion, an elongated bracket having a first end portion and a second end portion, second means for mounting the bracket first end portion on the first means for pivotal movement about a first axis, third means mounting the elongated member intermediate portion on the bracket second end portion for pivotal movement about a second axis, fifth means on the first means for resiliently urging the bracket to pivot about the first axis in one direction and limiting the pivotal movement of the bracket in the last mentioned direction, a first piston cylinder combination mounted on the first means and pivotally connected to the elongated member second end portion for moving the elongated member and bracket to move the pleater plate from a retracted, datum position to a position in pressing relationship with the buck assembly and resilient means connected to the first means and the elongated member for constantly urging the elongated member to move the pleater plate to the datum position.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8 further characterized in that there is provided a bag expander, a second piston cylinder combination on the first means, and means connected to and operated by the application of fluid to the second combination for moving the bag expander toward a bag expanded condition, and control means for actuating each of the first and second combinations to first move the bag expander to a bag expanded condition, then one pleater plate to its pressing position and thence the second pleater plate to its pressing position, a solenoid operated valve for each of said combinations for controlling the application of fluid to the respective combination, a manually operated switch movable between from a datum first position to a second position and circuit means connecting said valves and switch for energizing the waist eXpander solenoid valve to actuate the second combination to operate the waist expander upon moving the switch from its first position to its second position a first time, thence upon moving the switch from its first position to its second position the second time, energizing one of the first combination valves to actuate one of the first combinations to move one pleater plate to its pressing position and then upon returning the switch to its first position a second time, energizing the other of the first combinations to move the other pleater plate to its pressing position.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9 further characterized in that said control means includes a first circuit including a first relay that is energized by operating the switch from its datum position to its second position a first time, said first circuit being connected to said switch, a second circuit connected to said switch that is completed by the energization of the first relay and the return of the switch from its second position to the datum position the first time and then movement to its second position to energize one of the first combination valves, said second circuit being connected to the switch and the first relay and including a second relay, and a third circuit that is completed by the energization of the second relay and the return of the switch to its first position a second time to energize the other of the first combination valves, the third circuit being connected to the switch.
 11. Pants topping apparatus comprising a support member, a buck assembly mounted on the support member, a first pleater plate for pressing one pleated portion of pants dressed on the buck assembly, a second pleater plate for pressing the other pleated portion of the pants on the buck assembly, operable first means on the support member for mounting the first plate for movement from a datum retracted position to a pressing position, operable second means on the support member for mounting the second pleater plate for movement from a datum retracted position to a pressing position, power third means for operating the first means, power fourth means for operating the second means, and control means for sequentially actuating said third and fourth means to, through the first and second means, first move the first pleater plate to its pressing position and then the second pleater plate to its pressing position, said control means including a first control member operable from a datum condition to a second condition for actuating the third means, a second control member operable from a datum condition to a second condition for actuating the fourth means, a switch member movable from a first position to a second position and control circuitry means connected to said switch and to the first and second control members for operating the first control member from its datum condition to its second condition upon moving the switch from its first position to its second position and then upon returning the switch to its first position, operating the second control member from its second condition to its datum position.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11 further characterized in that there is provided a waist expander mounted on the support member for movement between a datum position and a waist expanded position, and power fifth means for operating the waist expander from its datum position to its waist expanded condition, and that said control means includes a third control member operable from a datum condition to a second condition for actuating the fifth means, and that said control circuitry includes means for operating the third control member to its second condition upon moving the switch from its first position to the switch second position immediately prior to the above mentioned movement of the switch for operating the first and second control members.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12 further characterized in that there is provided means on the support member for conducting steam to the buck assembly, said steam means inCluding a fourth control member operable between a steam discharge blocking position and a second position permitting the discharge of steam, that said control means including a second switch movable between an on position and an off position, and that said control circuitry includes means connected to the second switch for operating the steam control means to its discharge position, upon the first switch being returned to its second position to actuate the second control member and thence moving the second switch to its on position.
 14. The apparatus of claim 12 further characterized in that the first means includes an elongated arm member having a first end portion mounting the first pleater plate, an intermediate portion and a second end portion, an elongated bracket having a first end portion mounted on the support member for pivotal movement about a first transverse axis and a second end portion mounting the intermediate portion for pivotal movement about a second transverse axis, means for resiliently urging the bracket to pivot in one direction about the first axis, stop means to limit the pivotal movement of the bracket in said one direction about the first axis, said third means being connected to said second end portion for, upon actuation of the third means, pivoting the arm member about the second axis in a given direction and stop means abuttable against the arm member for limiting the pivotal movement of the arm member about the second axis to a position that the first pleater plate is horizontal adjacent the buck assembly. 